Sea Kayaking Ireland - Port Salon sea caves.
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Cruit Island
Two fragments of heaven, chipped off the old block, and landed on the Donegal shore - Cruit, and Owey Islands. We journeyed back from Port Salon, in wintry rain, fully expecting another day off paddling, but remarkably, descending the road from Glenveagh, the weather suddenly cleared up, and was in fact, high summer once again. Don't think I've ever seen such a rapid change in the UK. So we drive down this road, and on the O.S. Map, it states, there is a 'Quay' at the end, and nothing else. The place is called Kincasslagh, but I've seen it spelled Kincaslough, and Kincashla, so take your pick. We seek, and get permission to use the slip, in fact we were encouraged to do so, by the extremely welcoming, and friendly locals. The rest you can see for yourselves, suffice to say, it was one of the best paddles of the trip, and one of the best we've EVER done.The weather turned bad again that night, wind and rain, as we stopped overnight on the Quay, then, remarkably it cleared again, and we met up with Dessy, and Catriona, and paddled Crohy Head, in the most fantastic light available to man or beast.
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Slieve League.
This has to be one of the best paddles we've ever done. The start of this trip was just amazing. The ferry journey over was spectacular, passing the Isle of Man, and the Mull of Galloway en-route. Docking at Belfast, in perfect weather, and driving across Northern Island to Derrry, then Strabane at dusk. We crossed the border, and as night fell, there was mist rolling in off the fields, and then we found a perfect spot to overnight, right beside the sea.
Rising next morning, it was clear that the weather was about as good as it gets, warm, sunny, still, blue sky, we stopped for breakfast at Killybegs, before taking the road to Glencolumbkille. Again, the drive was superb, with a huge bank of fog rolling in off the Atlantic, and filling the low lying bays right up to the hilltops. This actually hindered us, as we had no real plan to speak of, just driving around looking for somewhere to launch. This swallowed up time, precious time, time is always precious. The slip we used was stumbled upon by total chance, I just spied it through the mist.
So out we go, paddling into the wild, wild Atlantic Ocean in the fog!! But it was fine, flat calm, and when the fog dissolved it was amazing, and as you can see, we had one fantastic day, one of the very best, this, and the ferry journey etc, all added up to the most spectacular start to any Kayaking trip I've ever had, but it didn't last, the clouds rolled in at the end of this first, perfect day, and remained unsettled for the rest of the trip.
Crohy Head.Donegal, Ireland. Sea Kayak.
Fantastic Crohy head.Great day out with catriona Grainne And Mary.This is why i use a plastic boat!..
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Burtonport Skerries
The penultimate paddle...........We attempted to explore the North coast of Arranmore, in County Donegal, but the Atlantic swell had other ideas for us, that day. So we settled for a wander around the wonderful Skerries, and in the pale evening light, it more than made up for the disappointment. We had lost the previous 2 days to some hideous weather, total wind and rain, and it felt wonderful to get this day in, the next day was superb also, perhaps the best paddle of the lot? and then the weather turned foul again, and we decided to get the return ferry to Liverpool, just as the weather turned nice again!!!
Portsalon Sea Caves Donegal
Heading only a few kilometres north from Portsalon and sheltered from westerlies towards Fanad Head, this is only a glimpse of this stunning section.
Kayak Donegal Portsalon Sea Caves
Sea Kayaking Donegal Lenan head to Dundee head August 2010.mpg
What a trip. An endless supply of Caves Arches and Rocks. Not a nook or cranny was missed - what a beautiful sweet day with good company
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Slieve League 2.
After what had been the best beginning of ANY paddling trip that I'd ever done, ferry journey, trip across Northern Ireland, over the border, and first impressions, first paddle, weather, etc, we came crashing down to earth, with a bump. The weather turned bad overnight, and first thing in the morning it was hideous. Around 8ish it brightened up somewhat, but already, we could tell that the heatwave was over. One advantage though, was the Sea fog disappearing, and we could see the lie of the land fully. And one of the things discovered, was that there was a very convenient slip, much closer to the Slieve League, than our previous launch - Malin Beg. It is just a Cock-stride around from White Strand, where we had stayed overnight - No parking fees, Wardens, or Nazi signs ordering you about - we were in heaven itself. On to the paddle, we started late, and it started raining again, just as we launched. The landlocked little lagoon, accessed by the tunnel, is within 50m of the slip! Straight into the action, and the whole of Malin Beg bay is wonderful little paddle all in itself, and would be the ultimate first paddle for beginners. Matt found the other long tunnel, and we were round to White Strand just in time for the rain to clear. The light, was then magical, and it looked good, but as soon as we left White Strand, the wind came around and got up, enough to make for some really lumpy conditions. We didn't get as far as the last paddle, which is about half-way down the Slieve League, but have no fear, we lived to fight another day, and one of those days was another Slieve League paddle, but from the opposite end - Teelin Harbour.
Kayaking Leenan Head and Dunaff Head, Donegal, Ireland. Inishowen Sea Symposium 2017
Kayak trip around Leenan Head and Dunaff Head during the Inishowen Sea Symposium 2017, presented by Inish Adventures. Great paddle in very nice conditions with great company!
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Crohy Head
An amazing day, around the skerries of Burtonport, and out to the rugged rocks of Crohy Head, all filmed in the most fantastic light known to man, or beast. Our special guests on this paddle, were Dezzy, and Catriona, form Belfast Canoe Club. I say special guests, when it was in fact we, who were the special guests, as we were on THEIR patch, ha ha. And two, more expert, competent Paddlers you will be lucky to meet. They are certainly in a different league to me, I have no shame to admit, I am a firm believer that one can learn from anyone, even those with much less experience than oneself, not just paddling, but in EVERY aspect of life's experiences. Learning from Dezzy and Catriona, is very easy though, their expertise shining through every paddle stroke. I think the original plan, was to paddle Aran Island, but we ended up doing Crohy Head. For some reason, I can't recall, we set offthe wrong way, exploring the numerous skerries around Burtonport,(More of these in the next video) then headed South to Crohy Head, into the just turned flood tide!!! We paddled through some wonderful low lying islands, with beautiful beaches, then out into the open sea. The closer we got to Crohy Head, the more exposed to the swell we became, everything seeming to reach a climax at the Head itself, with some quite choppy waters, with unpredictable clapotis, with does my lower back, no favours, whatsoever. It was all worth it though, the light was absolutely spectacular, and conditions around the caves, arches and geology of Crohy Head, were unforgettable. I was expecting a long, hard slog on the return, as it had been downwind all the way, but the good Lord blessed us, and dropped the wind to help. We had a spectacular sunset, and mean, moody sky, for the final approach to Burtonport, arriving back around 11am. We 'Retired' to O'Donnel's bar in Burtonport, to sample the very fine Guiness on tap, and yes, it REALLY is better in Ireland.
The West Atlantic Way - Sea Kayaking in Ireland!
L O S T | IN MOTION takes on Ireland in the first of this 'West Atlantic Way' mini-series. We begin the road trip with a visit to Galway, before heading to the cliffs of Moher. After taking in the stunning view we catch up with our comrades and drive to Dingle for a bit of epic sea kayaking!
Music by Edie Murphy
Red Haired Boy
and Markvard
One with the Ocean
Song: Markvard - One with the ocean (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link:
Sea Kayaking Benwee and the Stags Ireland 2018
The north-facing coast of Benwee Head and the Stags of Broadhaven is a top Irish location for sea kayaking. This video previous shows the beauty and the seriousnes of the coast, with huge caves and stacks explored. It is an update on a previous video posted 3 years ago and shows an exceptional deep sea cave and the very serious narrow passage inside Illanmaster Island
Atlantic View - A Luxury Holiday Home on Kill Mountain near Dunfanaghy
Atlantic View is a luxury modern holiday home with a breathtaking location on Kill Mountain high above Dunfanaghy village in North Donegal. From its elevated site the holiday home enjoys sweeping panoramic views over this wonderful coastal landscape -- stunning views over New Lake toward the vast Atlantic Ocean and views that also include Killahoey Beach, Dunfanaghy village, the Horn Head Peninsula, the large sand dunes of Tramore and Tory Island .
Atlantic View has 4 spacious and comfortable bedrooms -- two of which are ensuite. The large ground floor area has a number of different living spaces -- all of which enjoy wonderful sea views. The main living room is comfortably furnished and features an open fireplace. Double doors lead to a wonderful sun room which enjoys both sea and mountain views. The tastefully designed kitchen and dining area is located between the main living room and the second living room. The dining area has a cathedral style ceiling with skylights which flood the area with natural light. In fine weather the decking area to the side of the house can be used as a second dining area or for simply relaxing and enjoying the superb coastal views below. The landscaped grounds around the holiday home feature a number of well maintained lawns.
Kayaking Donegal's Wild Atlantic Coast
It is what it is!
Sea kayaking in some Donegal caves - 2012
Sea cave visits while kayaking off the Donegal coast during August 2012. Two caves visited during a three day trip from Burtonport to Tory island (and back to mainland). Choppy weather (F4 winds) meant that the caves were in the lee of Aran Island (Árainn Mór) and Inishdooey (Oileán Dúiche).
Sea Kayaking In Ireland- The Blaskets Exped
Great few days sea kayaking On the south west coast Of Ireland, Big Atlantic swell, tide race's, Rain, wind and finished off with sunshine, couldnt of asked for much more!
Sea Kayaking Ireland 2014 intro.
At last............been very busy, and ghanged my mind so many times about doing this, I'm still not 100% on this but it's done now, so there.
We departed Birkenhead on the 24th July, and returned 14 days later on the 8th August, as it happens, as it often does, we were a week too late, or even better a week and a half earlier would've been ideal. The Ferry was booked by Matt, and was £171, one way, i.e. £342 return. Two years earlier I had been quoted £330 one way, £660 return!!! Feck that, I said.
I've done all this, in case you may wish to follow in our paddle splashes, I would heartily recommend it, and I hope to return in 2015. The only real worry, other than the weather, is the Atlantic swell - nothing between Donegal, and America but wild, wild Ocean. As always with swell, it can be very unpredictable, and it can be absolutely perfect weather, no wind at all, but huge crashing swell preventing safe exploration, or providing a huge challenge, depending upon your skill, and confidence.
We paddled some really fabulous places, the Slieve League, 500 metres of towering rock, and little old me and Matt ferreting in the caves undermining it all, Slieve Tooey, further north, again, amazing stuff, riddled with caves and arches, Inishbarnog, an offshore Island with HUMAN bones on it.Then there was Portsalon, further North, on Loch Swilly, the video by Desi H202 on YouTube, was the one that truly got us here, very inspirational. Back down to Burtonport, and a trip to Owey Island a Land's End in miniature, then out to Crohy Head, in the most perfect light imaginable. An attempt to explore Aranmore, beaten back by huge swells, but still a brilliant trip around the shallows of the Skerries. Another go at the the Slieve League form the opposite end, and finally a perfect day fully navigating every nook and cranny of Owey Island, a truly magical, perfect day's paddling.
All in all, it was a brilliant trip, even thought the weather was appalling at times, it certainly put some more hairs on my chest, I can tell you, and I feel more confident in my paddling since returning. I can heartily recommend it , the locals are the most friendly I've ever met, everyone was lovely and welcoming, and made you feel one of them immediately. Céad Mile Fáilte, as they say, or as we say............'Ow do.
Maghera Beach and Caves, Co. Donegal, Ireland
August 2016
Sea Kayaking Ireland - Slieve League 3rd attempt.
This was our final attempt at paddling the last bit of the Slieve League - we failed - again, but it was fun trying. We left Burtonport, with Dessy and Catriona, as this was the best option available, given the wind strength, and direction. Some idea of the spell of weather, was the fact that me and Matt spent 2 further days here after this paddle, in miserable conditions, wind and rain. If I'd known of this place, I would've put in here for the very first paddle of the trip. The harbour is just near Carrick, on the road from Killybegs, follow the signs for Kilcar, and just keep going. It's a wonderful place, and with a sunny day and light winds, it would be heaven on earth. But this being August 2014, we could, as they say, only fart with the arse we had been given, and so had to make the best of a bad job. The scenery is amazing as soon as one leaves Teelin, and like the approach from White Strand, the cliffs, slowly, but surely, gain height. Rounding the headland of Carrickmacafferty, the scale is awe inspiring. This becomes apparent, when you realise how long it takes to paddle to the beach, where we lunched. The conditions off here were atrocius, it doesn't look bad on the video, but the winds seemed to pour down off the cliffs, and do their level best to push you over. I got really irate, as that point was the whole climax of that paddle, and the wind tied to unseat me, the rain started, and my SD card filled to capacity, all at the same time. Even the beach is of an immense scale, the cobbles were huge, and really awkward to walk on, plaster of Paris looming large in the mind. The paddle back around Carrickmacafferty was even more tricky, the wind gusting, the rain blinding, and the sea getting more agitated, then around the next headland, peace and calm was restored. After 2 days landlocked at Teelin, we returned to Burtonport, to attempt Aran Mor, and then the final trip of the outing was a circumnavigation of Owey Island, in near perfect conditions.